newjerseynewsroom.com

BY CAROL ABAYA

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Seniors are happier -- and thus healthier -- if they remain in their own home and are not forced to move to another living residence.

Last week, we talked about safety proofing the home so the senior could remain comfortably in the house. Lighting, falls, fires, bedroom arrangements, and bathrooms were discussed.

Other areas to evaluate and safety proof are the kitchen, laundry area, and outside.

1. The kitchen is one of the most dangerous areas in a home – whether it be a freestanding house . They may be too high for a senior to safely reach. The appliances may be old and unsafe. New ones can improve safety. Also the pantry area needs to be looked at.

More importantly, the mental condition of the senior needs to be monitored. Putting something on the stove and leaving the room -- and then forgetting the stove is on -- can result in a fire. Seniors should not leave the kitchen when a stove is on!! Microwaves automatically shut off.

2. If the senior/elder cannot cook in a safe manner, alternative options should be looked into. Meals on Wheels, or the family pitching in and providing food in one serving or single meal sizes. Such meals can be placed in a microwave. However, if there is even a medium range of forgetfulness, a microwave may not be safe -- especially if the person puts in a fork or spoon on the plate.

Certain illnesses result in shaky hands, which prevent safe cooking and the ability to remove pots safely from the stove. Single serving meals that can be microwaved help maintain nutrition and health.

3. Many serious falls occur when laundry facilities are on another level -- for example in the basement. Or if linens and clothes need to be brought downstairs from the second floor, falls are common. Some system needs to be put in place so the senior does not carry in hand items that need to be

washed. (I put sheets and clothes in a pillow case that I throw down the stairs.)

Also because many laundry are in the basement, lighting should be optimal -- with at least 100 to 150 watt bulbs.

4. Food poisoning is one of the top reasons seniors end up in hospital emergency rooms. Refrigerators should be cleaned out every couple of weeks. If a family member is not around to check use dates, someone should be hired to do this task.

5. Access to the inside of the house should be safe, with hand rails on steps or amps where needed.

6. Gardening tools or shovels in the winter should be safely stored and not in a place where a senior can trip and fall. Electric tools should be completely removed if the senior has dementia.

The above items should be carefully evaluated not only by the sandwich generationer, an adult child, but also the senior herself/himself.

Protecting yourself can help you live longer, safer in your own home.

The Sandwich Generation is reader interactive and questions are welcome. Contact Carol Abaya via her web site www.sandwichgeneration.com or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She does not respond to questions posted in the comment section.

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